The official PlayStation Store has a timer set for midnight Eastern Time, meaning the game will likely go live at around 9pm PST.

No scheduled times have been shared on the UK PlayStation Store, so it’s currently unclear when the game will go live in the UK.

Between midnight and 5am is probably a safe bet, and of course there are those who have already got physical copies and have started playing.

For those in other regions, it might be worth seeing if a countdown timer is active on your console.

The game is also available to pre-load, although it will also need to download a new Day One patch, which will take up around 815MB in space and includes some very important features:

Multiplayer, event quests, chat functionality, and other online features

Now able to claim content via the Housekeeper in your room

Gallery Mode added to the title menu. The gallery allows you to view all of the cutscenes you have watched so far in the game. The player character that appears in the cutscenes will vary depending on which save data you have loaded.

Monster Hunter World PS4, Xbox One screenshot

Mon, June 12, 2017

MONSTER Hunter World is coming to PS4 and Xbox One in early 2018, while a PC release is on the cards for later on next year.

This new update will also add the infamous Monster Hunter pet pig, which has been featured in every game in the series.

“Once you have made enough progress in the story, a Poogie will appear in the tradeyard in Astera,” Capcom explains.

“Get the Poogie to warm up to you by petting it in just the right way! Once it's friendly with you, pick it up and carry it to different places throughout Astera... and you might just be rewarded for your kindness.”

The upcoming action game is also being optimised for PS4 Pro and Xbox One X. This includes HDR support, improved frame rates and resolutions.

Express Online spoke to Monster Hunter World producer Ryozo Tsujimoto to see when the PS4 Pro and Xbox One X Enhanced updates will be released.

"Some data is a day one patch that you can download," Tsujimoto explained. "But once you’ve got that on the first day of release, you’ll be able to enjoy enhanced graphics and performance modes for Playstation 4 Pro and Xbox One X."